Here’s the story of Shivankh Varun Varadharajan — a remarkable young music prodigy:
Who he is-
Shivankh, age 6, is based in Dubai and of Indian-origin (German-Tamil background) living in the UAE.
He recently set a Guinness World Record for identifying classical-music composers by ear.
The Record Achievement
On 14 September 2025 in Dubai, he correctly identified 16 classical composers in just 60 seconds from short musical excerpts.
The composers included heavyweights like Johann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Frédéric Chopin, Antonio Vivaldi, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Richard Wagner, Johann Strauss II, among others.
The official Guinness page lists the feat: “Most classical music composers identified by their melody in one minute = 16” achieved by Shivankh.
Early Signs & Unique Traits
According to his mother (Yalini Varadharajan), by around 2.5 years old he was humming along to orchestral scores in cartoons (e.g., listening to the background music in shows like Tom and Jerry rather than focusing on the visuals).
He didn’t just recognise broadly different music — he could distinguish very similar-sounding pieces in seconds (for example Mozart’s “Eine kleine Nachtmusik” vs Beethoven’s “Für Elise”).
His mother describes him as “neurodivergent” and perceiving the world through tone and rhythm — he “reads” people like: “she was talking so fast, like Rimsky” or “he’s calm, like Chopin”.
Support & Preparation
His family nurtured his interest without pushing unduly. They provided a musical-rich environment (instrumental music playing at home, listening broadly) and later helped him practise under timed conditions for the record challenge.
The record attempt itself had strict criteria: a randomised selection of classical music excerpts, timed at one minute, and he had to identify a minimum number of composers in that minute.
What it Means & What’s Next
His record highlights the rare kind of musical ear and memory he has — beyond mere recognition, a deep intuitive connection with music.
His mother hopes his story will inspire other parents to “listen more, compare less, and let their child’s uniqueness unfold naturally.”
For the future, Shivankh wants to become a composer and interestingly, he “often dreams of meeting Bach one day.”
Why This Story Stands Out
Most children at age 6 are just beginning quite basic music education; recognising multiple composers by ear in a minute is extraordinary.
It’s not just a memory feat — it involves audio discrimination, musical awareness, and speed under pressure.
It shows how early childhood interests, if nurtured and allowed to bloom, can become something distinctive.
It also shows a sensitive approach: the family gives structure and space, not forcing but supporting.
And the “neurodivergent lens” adds depth: his difference in perceiving the world may be a strength in this context rather than a hindrance.
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